Thule Smart Panels - Your Fitting Guide

We get it. Figuring out what products fit your van can be confusing, but that's what we're here for! We've put together a simple and easy guide for you to follow to make sure you order the right products for your van to save you the hassle. 

To get yourself set on the right path for ordering your Thule Smart Panels, there are 5 pieces of information you need to know.

  1. Your vehicle type - 

This may seem the most obvious thing in the world, but the products can vary ever so slightly based on what vehicle it is that you own. There are 4 different vehicles that you need to select from, being a motorhome, caravan, van or Minivan. A van includes a Fiat Ducato > 2006, Peugeot Boxer > 2006, Citroen Jumper > 2006, and VW Crafter > 2017. The Minivan would be the right one for you if you drive a VW California T5/6 > 2003, or PSA Minivan > 2016.

      2.  Your awning model - 

This can be found on the label on the inside of your awning case when the canopy is rolled out. For example it could be Thule Omnistor 5200, 9200 or 1200. If you are struggling to locate the label, don't worry! Give us a call on 01928 249800 and we will help work it out for you. 

      3. Your awning length - 

Now you know the model, the next thing you need to know is the length of the awning, this is important to know as it will affect the part number we will need to order for you as the front panels will need to be spot on otherwise they won't do their job properly; you should find this info on the same label where you found the awning model. The lengths range from 1.90m - 6.00m, but not all models have the same variety of lengths, so again if you think you're struggling or not completely confident feel free to give us a call to check!

     4. Your awning projection - 

To make sure you select the right side panels, you now need to know how far out your canopy comes. Just like the length, the projection is equally as important to make sure it fits nice and snug. The projection could be 2.00m, 2.50m, 2.75m or 3.00m. Some models might not necessarily have this measurement written on the label on the inside, so we should be able to figure this one out for you if you can' put your finger on it.

     5. Mounting height -

Nearly there I promise! Finally, you need to know the mounting height which you might see labelled as "A" on some of the panels on our shop. This is the distance between the bottom of the awning casette and the ground. We won't know this one so you will need to measure it for us with a trusty tape measure then let us know what it comes up as. The mounting heights can range from small/minivan - XXLarge so just check which size your measurement comes under before you order! : 

  • 1.80 - 1.99m = Minivan 
  • 2.05 - 2.24m = Small 
  • 2.25 - 2.44m = Medium 
  • 2.45 - 2.64m = Large 
  • 2.65 - 2.84m = X-Large 
  • 2.85 - 3.04m = XX-Large 

This information can be quite a lot to take in, so if you feel like you need any more assistance in figuring out your required smart panel, we are only on the other end of the phone if you need us!